1996 FORD RANGER trailer

Driving Your Ranger
213
*
[DR36500(ALL)01/95]
Preparing to Tow
*
[DR36550(ALL)01/95]
For your safety and for the good of your vehicle, use the right
equipment for the type of trailer you tow. Also, make sure that
all towing equipment is properly attached to your vehicle. If
you are not certain that you are using the right equipment in
the proper manner, see your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer.
%*
[DR36600(ALL)01/93]
Hitches
*
[DR36650(R )01/95]
For towing trailers up to 2,000 lb (907 kg), use a weight
carrying hitch and ball which uniformly distributes the trailer
tongue loads through the underbody structure. Use a
frame-mounted weight distributing hitch for trailers over
2,000 lb (907 kg).
*
[DR36800(ALL)12/91]
Do not install a single or multi-clamp type bumper hitch, or a
hitch which attaches to the axle. Underbody mounted hitches
are acceptable if installed properly. Follow towing instructions
of a reputable rental agency.
*
[DR37000(ALL)12/92]
Whenever a trailer hitch and hardware are removed, make sure
all mounting holes in the underbody are properly sealed to
prevent noxious gases or water from entering.
*
[DR37300(R )03/91]
Step bumper (If equipped)
[DR37400(R )03/93]
The optional step bumper has a built-in hitch and only requires
a ball with a 3/4 inch shank diameter. The step bumper has a
Class I capability (2,000 lb/907 kg trailer weight and
200 lb/91 kg tongue weight).
File:10undrr.ex
Update:Wed May 1 13:52:06 1996

214
*
[DR37550(ALL)03/91]
NOTE: The rated capacities (as shown in this guide) for
trailer towing with the factory bumper are only valid
when the trailer hitch ball is installed directly into the
ball hole in the bumper. Addition of bracketry to
either lower the hitch ball position or extend the hitch
ball rearward will significantly increase the loads on
the bumper and its attachments. This can result in the
failure of the bumper or the bumper attachments. Use
of any type of hitch extensions should be considered
abuse.
*
[DR37575(ALL)03/91]
If it is necessary to relocate the trailer hitch ball position a
frame mounted trailer hitch must be installed.
%*
[DR37800(ALL)07/95]
Safety Chains
*
[DR37900(R )12/92]
Always use safety chains between your vehicle and trailer.
Cross chains under the trailer tongue and allow slack for
turning corners. Connect safety chains to the vehicle frame or
hook retainers.Never attach chains to the bumper.
%*
[DR38000(ALL)08/95]
Trailer Brakes
*
[DR38100(ALL)03/95]
Separate trailer brakes are required on most towed vehicles
weighing over 1,500 lb (680 kg).
*
[DR38200(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not connect a trailer's hydraulic brake system directly
to your vehicle's brake system. Your vehicle may not
have enough braking power and your chances of having
a collision greatly increase.
File:10undrr.ex
Update:Wed May 1 13:52:06 1996

Driving Your Ranger
215
%*
[DR38300(ALL)06/95]
Trailer Lamps
*
[DR38400(ALL)11/89]
Make sure your trailer lamps conform to Federal and local
regulations.
*
[DR38425(ALL)03/91]
Class I and Class II Trailer Tow electrical wiring provides two
circuits (right hand and left hand) to operate trailer stop/turn
tail lamps. Each stop/turn circuit will operate one combination
stop/turn light bulb (# 1157, 3157, 2357, or 3357) on the trailer.
Never add more than one trailer light bulb to one circuit.
*
[DR38450(ALL)08/95]
RWARNING
Always replace a fuse with one that has the specified
amperage rating. Using a fuse with a higher amperage
rating can cause severe wire damage and could start a
fire.
*
[DR38500(ALL)06/95]
Driving while you tow
*
[DR38520(ALL)05/95]
Be especially careful when driving while you tow a trailer.
Never drive faster than 45 mph (70 km/h) when you tow in
hilly country on hot days. Also, anticipate stops so that you can
brake gradually.
%*
[DR38540(ALL)01/95]
If you use the speed control while you are towing on very long,
steep grades, the speed control may shut off.
[DR38600(ALL)07/95]
When towing a trailer in hilly terrain, with a vehicle equipped
with a 4R44E/4R55E transmission, you may wish to operate in
O/D OFF (3rd gear) rather than
j(Overdrive). This will
eliminate excessive downshifting and upshifting to maintain
speed. Shift back to
j(Overdrive) whenever practical for
optimum powertrain cooling and fuel economy. This can be
accomplished by pushing in the transmission control switch
which is located on the end of the gearshift lever.
File:10undrr.ex
Update:Wed May 1 13:52:06 1996

216
*
[DR38800(ALL)06/95]
When descending a steep grade with a trailer, operate in Drive
rather than Overdrive. If additional braking is needed, shift the
automatic transmission gearshift into 2 (Second) gear or 1 (Low).
*
[DR38925(ALL)08/95]
Servicing Your Vehicle If You Tow
*
[DR38950(ALL)08/93]
If you tow a trailer for a long distance, your vehicle will need
to be serviced more frequently than usual. Refer to the
Maintenance Schedule and Recordbooklet for additional
information.
[DR39000(ALL)08/95]
Trailer towing tips
*
[DR39100(ALL)11/89]
Before starting on a trip, practice turning, stopping and backing
in an area away from heavy traffic. Get to know the ªfeelº of
the vehicle/trailer combination.
*
[DR39200(ALL)05/90]
Practice backing up. Back up very slowly, with someone outside
at the rear of your trailer to guide you. Place your hand at the
bottom of the steering wheel and move it in the direction you
want the rear of the trailer to swing. Slight movement of the
steering wheel results in a much larger movement of the rear of
the trailer.
*
[DR39300(ALL)11/89]
Allow more room for stopping with a trailer attached. Trailer
brakes should be applied first, whether manually or
automatically controlled, when approaching a stop.
*
[DR39400(ALL)11/89]
For a good handling truck-trailer combination, the trailer tongue
load should be approximately 10-15% of the loaded trailer
weight.
*
[DR39500(ALL)05/95]
Make a thorough check of your equipment before starting out
on the road. After you have traveled about 50 miles (80 km)
stop in a protected area and double-check your hitch and
electrical connections. Also check trailer wheel lug nuts for
tightness.
File:10undrr.ex
Update:Wed May 1 13:52:06 1996

Driving Your Ranger
217
*
[DR39600(ALL)11/89]
When turning, drive slightly beyond the normal turning point
so the trailer wheels will clear curbs or other obstructions.
[DR39750(ALL)01/95]
When stopped in traffic for long periods of time in hot weather,
place the gearshift selector lever in P (Park) to increase the
engine idle speed. This aids in engine cooling and air
conditioner efficiency. If the engine overheats, rotate the
function selector control knob to panel position to stop the
compressor and increase the engine speed for a short time.
*
[DR39800(R )05/90]
RWARNING
Do not tow a trailer when using a temporary spare tire.
*
[DR39900(ALL)05/90]
Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade.
However, if you must park on a grade, place wheel chocks
under the trailer's wheels as follows:
*
[DR40000(ALL)05/95]
n
Apply the brake pedal and hold.
*
[DR40100(ALL)11/89]
n
Have another person place the wheel chocks under the
trailer wheels.
*
[DR40200(ALL)08/95]
n
With the chocks in place, release the brake pedal, making
sure the chocks are holding.
*
[DR40300(ALL)03/91]
n
For automatic transmissions Ð apply the parking brake by
pressing the service brake pedal down firmly with your right
foot while applying the parking brake pedal with your left
foot.
[DR40400(ALL)01/95]
n
For manual transmissions Ð apply the service brake and
shift into N (Neutral) while still maintaining pressure on the
service brake pedal. Set the parking brake fully.
*
[DR40500(ALL)12/91]
n
Shift an automatic transmission into Park (P). Put the
gearshift of a manual transmission in Reverse. If your vehicle
is equipped with four-wheel drive make sure the transfer
case is not in Neutral.
File:10undrr.ex
Update:Wed May 1 13:52:06 1996

224
[RE04150(ALL)01/95]
It is not recommended that the vehicle be operated in the 4WD
modes with a temporary spare. If 4WD operation is necessary,
do not operate at speeds above 10 mph (16 km/h) or for
distances above 50 miles (80 km). Extended operation in 4WD
with a temporary spare may result in damage to powertrain
components.
*
[RE04200(ALL)01/93]
RWARNING
If you use the temporary spare tire continuously or do
not follow these precautions, the tire could fail, causing
you to lose control of the vehicle, possibly injuring
yourself or others.
*
[RE04275(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
To avoid injury, never run the engine with one wheel off
the ground, such as when changing a tire.
*
[RE04280(ALL)10/94]
Extended use of other than matching size spare tires on a
Traction-Lok axle could result in a permanent reduction in
effectiveness. This loss of effectiveness does not affect normal
driving and should not be noticeable to the driver.
*
[RE04300(ALL)01/95]
When you drive with the temporary spare tire, DO NOT:
*
[RE04400(ALL)01/95]
n
exceed 50 mph (80 km/h) under any circumstances.
*
[RE04500(ALL)01/95]
n
load your vehicle so that it is heavier than the maximum
vehicle load rating listed on the tire decal.
*
[RE04600(ALL)01/95]
n
tow a trailer.
*
[RE04700(ALL)01/95]
n
use tire chains on this tire.
*
[RE04800(ALL)01/95]
n
try to repair the temporary spare tire or remove it from its
wheel.
*
[RE04900(ALL)01/95]
n
use the wheel for any other type of vehicle.
[RE04950(ALL)10/94]
n
engage four-wheel drive on dry, hard-surfaced roads.
File:12unrer.ex
Update:Wed May 1 13:53:18 1996

300
*
[SV33701(ALL)05/95]
It is preferable to check the transmission fluid level at normal
operating temperature, after approximately 20 miles (30 km) of
driving. However, if necessary, you can check the fluid level
without having to drive 20 miles to obtain a normal operating
temperature if outside temperatures are above50ÊF (10ÊC).
*
[SV33801(ALL)01/95]
NOTE: If the vehicle has been operated for an extended
period at high speeds or in city traffic during hot
weather, or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be
turned off for about 30 minutes to allow the fluid to
cool before checking.
%*
[SV33901(ALL)02/95]
Checking the Automatic Transmission Fluid
*
[SV33910(ALL)06/95]
With the vehicle on a level surface, start the engine and move
the transmission shift selector through all of the gear ranges
allowing sufficient time for each position to engage. Securely
latch the transmission shift selector in the P (Park) position,
fully set the parking brake and leave the engine running.
[SV33920(R )09/95]
NOTE: Vehicles equipped with the 4x4 option must have the
4x4 shift selector in any position other than neutral. If
in neutral the vehicle may move.
*
[SV33930(ALL)10/89]
RWARNING
Your vehicle should not be driven if the fluid level is
below the bottom hole on the dipstick and outside
temperatures are above50ÊF (10ÊC).
*
[SV33940(ALL)08/95]
Wipe off the dipstick cap (located on the passenger's side of the
engine), pull the dipstick out and wipe the indicator end clean.
Put the dipstick back into the filler tube and make sure it is
fully seated. Pull the dipstick out and read the fluid level.
File:15unsvr.ex
Update:Wed May 1 13:56:18 1996

351
Index
Brakes (continued)
fluid, checking and adding.............. 304
fluid, refill capacities................ 304
fluid, specifications................. 331
front disc...................... 177
if brakes do not grip well.............. 181
master cylinder................... 304
new brake linings................... 5
noise......................177, 181
parking...................... 182
power braking................... 177
rear anti-lock.................... 178
servicing....................181, 304
stopping distances................182, 184
trailer....................... 214
when storing your vehicle.............. 336
Brake-shift interlock.................. 157
Break-in period..................... 5
Brights (high beams)................. 67,88
Bulbs, replacing.................... 317
halogen...................... 318
headlamps..................... 318
C
Canada, customer assistance.............. 248
Canada, warranty information.............. 3
Carbon monoxide in exhaust............... 50
Car seats for children (see Child safety seats)....... 36
Cassette tape player (see Electronic sound system) . . 133, 149
Catalytic converter................... 323
Chains, tires...................... 295
Changing a tire.................... 223
Charging system gauge................. 64
Charging system warning light.............. 62
Child safety restraints
child safety belts................... 39
child safety seats................... 36
File:unixr.ex
Update:Wed May 1 13:58:05 1996